Nelson A. Miles 1839-1925 Union major general who fought through the entire course of the war, guarded Jefferson Davis after his capture, and gained greater fame as an indian fighter and captor of Geronimo. Superb content A.L. S. I I pp. 8vo. Ebbitt House, Mar. 9, 1879 to his superior officer, General William T. Sherman 1820- 1891 , with lengthy signed endorsement by Sherman on verso of last page. Unbelievable content concerning the progress of the war against the Indians from the Canadian border to Montana, and Miles' request to be appointed to head the District of Montana. In part: ...in the autumn of 1876 the Sioux Indians had absolute control of that country [Yellowstone]... no movements were much by troops except my own... Before the opening of Spring... the followers of Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and Lame Deer had been forced to surrender or driven out I received the most gratifying encouragement from yourself.. the Nez Perce & Bannock[?] camps were captured and that whole region of country cleared of hostile indians... not a single while man has been killed and citizens have moved unarmed... in accomplishing the above work the lives of many valuable officers and soldiers were lost. . Miles goes on to state that he has the support of the politicians and populace to remain in command, mentions he gave-up an easier command to root-out the Indians, and hopes to be appointed to command the District over any other officer entirely unacquainted with the country, the people or the Indian Sherman dockets the letter on Mar. 9, 1879, and writes a 12 line endorsement referring Miles' letter to Gen. Philip H. Sheridan: to be construed as Confidential, until further action . He signs with rank General'. Miles' was rewarded given promotion to brigadier general and command of the District of the Columbia a year later. A few clear spots on endorsement only, light soiling A historic letter!